Hands-On Learning Comes Alive at the Eastern New Mexico State Fair's Kids Day

The Eastern New Mexico State Fair (ENMSF) recently hosted hundreds of local schoolchildren for its annual Kids Day, providing them with a unique opportunity to explore the world of agriculture through interactive demonstrations and engaging activities. From learning about dairy farming and cheese making to discovering the wonders of pumpkins, these young learners were immersed in a hands-on educational experience that brought the local agricultural industry to life.

Empowering the Next Generation of Agricultural Enthusiasts

Butter-Making Bliss

The Kids Day event at the ENMSF was a true celebration of agricultural education. One of the highlights was the butter-making demonstration presented by the New Mexico Ag in the Classroom (NMAITC) organization. Britney Lardner, a senior program coordinator for NMAITC, guided the students through the simple yet captivating process of transforming heavy whipping cream into delectable butter. The children eagerly shook their small tubs of cream, watching in awe as the liquid transformed into a solid, spreadable treat. This hands-on activity not only taught the students about the origins of a common household staple but also sparked their curiosity and enthusiasm for the dairy industry.

Pumpkin Pandemonium

Nearby, Monterrey Elementary School students were immersed in a session on pumpkins, led by Aubrey Prince from the Goddard High School FFA (Future Farmers of America) chapter. Prince engaged the children with a series of questions, gauging their familiarity with pumpkins and their various uses, from pumpkin pie to jack-o'-lanterns. The students enthusiastically raised their hands, eager to share their knowledge and learn more about this quintessential fall favorite. Prince then proceeded to read a book and provide additional information about pumpkins, further expanding the children's understanding of this versatile crop.

Cheese-Making Curiosity

Inside Hobson's Hall, representatives from Leprino Foods, a leading cheese manufacturer, invited student volunteers to participate in a hands-on cheese-making demonstration. Sophia and Fernando, the student volunteers, worked alongside the Leprino Foods team to mix a few drops of a "magic ingredient" with milk, then gently shaking the containers to create cheese. Dozens of other students from All Saints Catholic School and Military Heights Elementary looked on, captivated by the process. Andrea Batista of Leprino Foods assured the children that the cheese they were creating was not yet ready for their beloved pizza toppings, but the experience nonetheless sparked their curiosity and interest in the cheese-making industry.

A Successful Fair and a Promising Future

As the ENMSF entered its final days, Leslie Robertson, the ENMSF Office Manager, reflected on the success of the event. She noted that the weather had been cooperative, the crowds were fantastic, and the livestock shows were well-attended. The entertainment, including a cannonball artist and a hypnotist, also provided great shows for the fairgoers. With the 2024 fair already in the planning stages, Robertson expressed the ENMSF board's commitment to continuous improvement and a focus on the future, ensuring that the event continues to evolve and provide an exceptional experience for all who attend.